International Law
Just Security offers expert analysis of international law and its role in addressing global challenges. Our coverage includes litigation in international and regional tribunals, the process of international law-making, analysis of compliance and accountability for international law violations–including international criminal justice, and challenges to the international legal order.
3,533 Articles
Presidential Immunity Decision May Have Implications for Congressional-Executive Divide on Criminal Contempt
With Trump v. United States, a majority of the Supreme Court appears ready to resolve a longstanding dispute over prosecutorial discretion in contempt of Congress cases in favor…
Magnitsky Sanctions and Political Prisoners: Lessons from the Case of Vladimir Kara-Murza
The US and allies can build on the coordinated Magnitsky-like sanctions in his case to continue turning up the heat on repressive regimes.
Ukraine’s Incursion into Kursk Oblast: A Lawful Case of Defensive Invasion?
The UN Charter, the law on the use of force, and the conditions that body of law places on Ukraine's military operation in Russia's Kursk Oblast.
Expert Explainer: The US for the first time submits a formal brief to the International Criminal Court on the ‘Situation in Palestine’
A Q&A with Todd Buchwald, former U.S. Ambassador for Global Criminal Justice at the U.S. Department of State.
Time for the International Criminal Court to Recognize Persons with Disabilities and the Slave Trade
The ICC's update to the prosecution of slavery crimes should include specific recognition of and protections for persons with disabilities.
The Just Security Podcast: Assessing the Recent Response of International Law and Institutions in Palestine and Israel
What have international institutions chosen to condemn as violations of community norms, and what conduct has been silenced or omitted?
A Presidential Proclamation to End the Iraq War: Unilateral Executive Action to Defang a Zombie AUMF
President Biden should proclaim the conflict authorized by the 2002 resolution to be over and determine that it is no longer “necessary and appropriate” to use force for the…
Unforced Error: Article 124 and the Regrettable Caveat to Ukraine’s Proposed Ratification of the ICC Statute
Invoking an exception to the ICC's jurisdiction would not only be a regression from Ukraine's otherwise commendable engagement with international law, it would also contradict…
Revoking the 9/11 Plea Deals: Human Rights Consequences
Defense Secretary Austin's decision to discard the 9/11 plea deals at the Guantanamo military commissions is a missed opportunity for the United States to achieve a rule of law-compliant…
What’s in a Bag? The Lawfulness of X-raying the Diplomatic Pouch in International Law
Is it lawful for a State to subject a foreign diplomatic pouch to X-raying or scanning to ensure that it is not used for illicit purposes?
Breaking the Deadlock: New Talks Needed to Help End Sudan’s Violence and Offer a Glimmer of Hope
Unless parties are willing to come to the table, there is no pathway from war toward restoring civilian rule and a democratic transition.
An ICC Complementarity Policy at Last: Can the Prosecutor Walk the Talk?
A close analysis suggests that the ICC Prosecutor's new vision of complementarity is informed by his practice-driven and pragmatic approach to engagement with States.